Every day Americans shop online through e-commerce and purchase from international sellers on online platforms. Many international sellers are legitimate, but there are those that market everything from fake handbags to counterfeit medicine. Counterfeit items are often sold at much lower prices than brand names. When Americans started avoiding these purchases after learning the risk, some sellers began to sell counterfeit products at comparable prices to brand names with a small discount, leading consumers to believe they were purchasing brand name items at a slightly lower price. To avoid counterfeit goods, make your purchases at an authorized retailer.
Are you suspicious that the item you received from an online seller is counterfeit? Counterfeit goods can impact the healthy and safety of the American people and CBP can learn more about these sellers and products with your help. You can report this information and other illegal trade activity through CBP's e-Allegations website.
CBP works with Homeland Security Investigations at the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Coordination Center and it regularly publishes public service announcements. Read more about the Top Ten Ways to Protect Yourself from Counterfeiting and Piracy. You can also visit the IPR Center's website for the latest news releases and warnings.